Couple Buys Stranger A Car After Seeing Him Walk Home From Work Every Night (VIDEO)

While many of us are busy getting ready for the holidays, it’s important to remember to show compassion and generosity to our fellow man. A newlywed couple in Utah recently performed a truly beautiful act of kindness for a complete stranger, setting an example that everyone can learn from.

Sean and Darilyn Merrill were driving home when they spotted a worn out man walking through the crosswalk on a late November night. Holding a lunchbox in one hand, the man’s head was hanging and he seemed physically exhausted. The Merrills could have continued driving without a second thought, but they chose to pull over instead to ask the tired man if he needed a ride. The man, who was high school custodian Robert Ford, was touched and accepted the couple’s offer. During the ride to Robert’s home, the couple learned about the custodian’s five-hour daily commute and were truly touched by his dedication and work ethic. Sean said:

“In a brief trip Robert told us that he missed his bus that day. It takes him two and a half hours on public transportation to get to work and that same commute home after his day is over.”

Robert’s story meant something to the couple, as they’d experienced their own share of financial struggles. After dropping Robert off at his home, Sean and Darilyn decided they wanted to do something more. Darilyn explained, “We were thinking we are blessed. We have so much.”

With the help of Robert’s sister-in-law, Kathy, the couple created a GoFundMe account, and thanks to the help of strangers, they were able to raise over $2,000 to buy Robert a used car with insurance. Floored by the generosity of the strangers who donated, Sean said, “Maybe they saw something in Robert they’ve experienced in their own lives.”

The couple gifted it to Ford, handing him the keys and taking him by complete surprise. At first, Robert didn’t even think it was real — he thought it was a trick. Robert said:

“I’m a total stranger and they did this for me. It blows my mind. I thought they were full of it. I didn’t think it was real.”

You can watch a touching video of Robert and the Merrills below, along with the emotional footage of Robert receiving his car:

Because of the couple’s kindness, Robert has been inspired to pay it forward.

“If it wasn’t for them, I’d be still riding the bus. I owe them a lot, and I’m going to do my best … to help somebody else.”

Now, Robert’s long two-and-a-half hour commute is just a half hour. Needless to say, he’s getting much more rest thanks to Darilyn and Chris!